Can You Safely Eat Chicken That’s Been Frozen for Two Years?

Question: I have a whole chicken that's been in my freezer for two years now. It’s been frozen the whole time. Is it still safe to eat?

Answer: Yes — from a safety perspective you have nothing to worry about.

As the U.S. Department of Agriculture notes, foods kept constantly frozen at 0°F or lower will keep safe indefinitely.

But bear in mind that while your frozen chicken may remain safe forever, the same can’t be said for its quality. Over time, all frozen foods will eventually start to go downhill when it comes to texture, flavor and taste.

In the case of whole chicken, you’ll enjoy the best quality if you eat it within one year, as detailed here.

Since you’ve now hit the two-year mark, you’re likely going to experience some dryness and loss of flavor. So roasting and serving the chicken whole may not be the best way to go. Instead, you might want to opt for cooking the chicken first and then using it in a soup, stew or casserole.